IGOLD attracts 8,200

Treasurer Dan Rutherford

Initial estimates were that approximately 8,200 Illinois gun owners were in Springfield today for IGOLD (Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day). The bus from the Woodstock VFW, sponsored by the McHenry County Sportsmen's Association, was almost full.

We left Woodstock just after 6:00AM and, after a breakfast stop, arrived at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield. Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford opened the meeting, before heading to the Capitol to hear about Gov. Quinn's budget. After opening speeches, the group marched to the Capitol, where additional short comments preceded the attendees fanning out through the Capitol offices to speak with Illinois Senators and Representatives.

The gun owners of Illinois are seeking an "equitable" concealed carry bill before the June 8 deadline imposed by the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on December 11, 2012. Speaker Mike Madigan has introduced two "shell" bills, into which many amendments are being thrown. Sort of like throwing mud on a wall, and hoping some will stick.

The headline in the morning's Northwest Herald over an Associated Press article was totally wrong. That headline read, "Ill. House OKs ban on semi-automatic guns." The amendment to HB1156 containing that language was voted on and passed, but the Bill has not been voted on.

The belief throughout today's meeting was that, if the House passes a "bad" bill, then Republicans and downstate Democrats will not support it, and it will not pass. If there is no concealed carry law passed by June 8, then Illinois becomes a "constitutional carry" state on June 9, and you'll see many people armed that day.

Our bus left Springfield about 5:00PM, and we were back in Woodstock about 8:30PM.

For information about the McHenry County Sportsmen's Association and to join for $20.00/year membership, go to www.mcsa56.org

For information about the McHenry County Right To Carry Association and to join for $20.00/year membership, go to www.mcr2ca.org